Having a tooth broken at the gum line can be distressing and worrying. Not only will you worry about the cosmetic impact, but it can also be painful and uncomfortable. Because of this, you’ll want to get it sorted as soon as possible to avoid any long-term implications.
When a tooth breaks at the gum line, it means a portion of the tooth visible above the gym has fractured, and part of the tooth is embedded in the gum. Whether this happened due to trauma to the mouth, weakened teeth due to improper dental care, or biting something hard, you’ll want to get it sorted. In this article, we take a look at what you need to do and how to avoid it happening in the future.
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What to do when a tooth is broken at the gum line:
1 – When a tooth is broken at the gum line, it’s natural to panic. While this might be your initial thought, you want to remain calm to deal with it more efficiently. Take a quick breather and sit down, then think about what to do next.
2 – Rinse your mouth with warm, salty water to remove any debris and clean the gums. If your gums are bleeding, apply pressure with a cloth.
3 – Seek immediate care from a dental professional. The sooner you speak to your dentist, the more efficiently it can be dealt with. They’ll advise you on how to handle the tooth until you can be seen, from telling you what painkillers they advise to other steps you can take to help curb the pain.
4 – The next step is your treatment option. Depending on the severity of your tooth broken at the gum line, different steps might be advised. Your dentist will examine your tooth and decide on root canal therapy, extraction, dental bonding, or crowns.
5 – Once your dentist has decided on the best course of action and administered the treatment, you will want to follow the correct aftercare. Maintain good oral hygiene, chew carefully, and be mindful of hard or sticky foods that could affect the tooth.
How to avoid your tooth breaking in the future:
One of the main reasons your tooth can break at the gum line is weak enamel. If you protect your teeth, they will be much stronger and might not break due to things such as hard foods. We recommend getting a dental cleaning service as well as regular check-ups. This ensures your teeth are kept in the best possible condition and will be as strong as possible. To find out more about dental cleaning services, to have any questions answered, or to book an appointment, get in touch with us at Kakar Dental Group. We’re a friendly and experienced team ready to help you on the path to better dental health in no time.